Best Over The Counter Runny Nose And Cough Medicine
Dealing with a runny nose and cough can be quite frustrating. The symptoms can disrupt your day-to-day life, causing discomfort and making it harder to focus. Luckily, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can help alleviate these symptoms. In this article, we will explore the best OTC runny nose and cough medicine available in the market.
1. Mucinex DM
Mucinex DM is one of the most popular OTC medications for cough and runny nose. It contains dextromethorphan, which helps suppress cough, and guaifenesin, which helps loosen mucus. Mucinex DM is available in both tablet and liquid form. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as overusing this medication can lead to side effects such as dizziness and nausea.
2. Robitussin DM
Robitussin DM is another popular medication for cough and runny nose. It contains dextromethorphan and guaifenesin, just like Mucinex DM. However, Robitussin DM is available in liquid form only. This medication is suitable for both adults and children above six years old.
3. Sudafed
Sudafed is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion. It contains pseudoephedrine, which works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Sudafed is available in both tablet and liquid form. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as overusing this medication can lead to side effects such as increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
4. DayQuil
DayQuil is a combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine. Acetaminophen helps relieve pain and reduce fever, dextromethorphan helps suppress cough, and phenylephrine helps relieve nasal congestion. DayQuil is available in liquid form only. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as overusing this medication can lead to side effects such as liver damage and stomach bleeding.
5. NyQuil
NyQuil is similar to DayQuil but is intended for nighttime use. It contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and doxylamine succinate. Doxylamine succinate is an antihistamine that helps induce sleep. NyQuil is available in liquid form only. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as overusing this medication can lead to side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
6. Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. It contains diphenhydramine, which works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Benadryl is available in tablet, liquid, and cream form. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as overusing this medication can lead to side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
Conclusion
Dealing with a runny nose and cough can be quite challenging, but with the help of OTC medications, you can alleviate these symptoms and get back to your daily routine. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions. We hope this article has helped you find the best OTC runny nose and cough medicine for your needs.